Are you Roof Ready for El Nino?
Mother Nature may be unpredictable, but protecting your roof doesn’t have to be. Get ahead of the disruptive and abnormal weather patterns of El Nino by securing a roofing inspection asap. Why wait for your roof and home to be ravaged? Respond quickly to save on future costs on damages, so when El Nino hits, you and your family are safe and dry. And safety first. Never get onto your roof when it’s raining. Read on.
What is El Nino?
Characterized by heavy, but inconsistent rainfall, El Nino is that winter storm that brings rain we sorely need yet hate to deal with. El Nino occurs when the water in the Pacific Ocean near the equator warms and the east winds are weaker than usual. This change in the environment can bring big changes in weather throughout the U.S. Apart from the obvious heavy rain we get in Southern California and the Southwest, there are cooler temperatures in the desert while the northern states get warmer. There is also less rain and snow in the Ohio Valley, Great Lakes, and the Northern Rockies.
Weathering the Storm; Preparing Your Roof for El Nino
Your roof is built to withstand the elements, but severe storms can test your roof’s structure, especially with any existing damage or missing material in heavy rain. Southern California’s wettest season is approximately from November through April and as we saw in earlier months of 2023, Southern California got a beating from the rain. El Nino is forecasted for the end of this year and as we’re approaching the wettest season, we want to help prepare you.
Take These Quick Actions Now to Secure Your Family & Home
Check for leaks.
Check every room of your home for leaks on ceilings and walls. Though leaks and stains can be due to a plumbing issue, it is also likely that it could be from a leaky roof. Check your attic for small holes and damage. Even the tiniest hole can create problems when dealing with a vicious storm such as El Nino.
Roof Ventilation.
Roof ventilation is vital during an inspection in preparation for El Nino. Why? Because proper ventilation helps to regulate the temperature of your home, you will see less drying, less premature cracking and brittleness of your shingles or tiles. In heavy and irregular rainfall such as El Nino, roofs that have suffered prematurely during the hot California summers can cause severe leaks. Poor ventilation can also create added moisture leading to mold, mildew and structural issues. Heavy rain such as El Nino would only make this worse.
Get a Crucial Roof Inspection.
Did you inspect your roof after the last heavy rains for any new damage? If not, it’s not too late! A thorough roof inspection from a professional roofer is crucial to stay ahead of those roof leaks in heavy rain. A professional roofer will also be able to inspect your roof for cracked or missing flashing, tiles, and any other damage to your roof. Though it is recommended to get a roof inspection every year, let’s be honest, many of us neglect to do this. And who can blame us? Our lives are pretty full and getting an inspection is far from our thoughts. There is still a window of opportunity to call a roofing professional to get
Keep your roof clean and clear of debris. Check your gutters and downspouts for leaks as well as trash. This includes organic matter. A heavy storm will only make you spend more money by allowing these weeds to flourish in the spring.
Seal your roof on a regular basis to protect it from the elements.
Small cracks seem minor and may not even be visible, but in heavy rain these seemingly small issues can become huge. Think about all the other homes in your area, most likely built around the same time as yours and without a recent roof check, calling the local roofing companies who are already booked, because they’re already helping your neighbors with their roof leaks.
The best defense is a good offense. Give yourself and your family peace of mind this winter! While others are scrambling, you can rest easy knowing that you’ve taken the right steps in securing your roof and family.
Call La Rocque Better Roofs at (833) LBR-4YOU
La Rocque Better Roofs is an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor. For a downloadable storm damage checklist, head over to Owen Corning's blog.
